The South African spiral aloe, Aloe polyphylla, shown in bloom here, seems to grow well in the Bay Area s coastal climate. Photo courtesy of UC Botanical Garden Common name: Spiral aloe ...

Aloe polyphylla is hardy to 10 degrees, but can't withstand soggy ground in winter. Pot it up in fast-draining cactus soil and you can leave it outside to enthrall visitors year-round.

Once source for Aloe polyphylla is Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C. (www.plantdelights.com; 919-772-4794; catalog is free, but if you like it, please send 10 stamps or a box of chocolates ...

Aloe polyphylla (Photo by Samuel Wantman via Creative Commons) Next, there are lots of aloes and they make great collectables. I am looking for Aloe polyphylla, or “spiral aloe.” ...

He described the plant as “one of his favourites”. The 66-year-old continued: “This is an aloe - it's aloe polyphylla and as the leaves evolve and grow they corkscrew out.

We will have a variety of aloe species and hybrids at our fall plant sale on Oct. 13, and will have knowledgeable people on hand to answer questions.